In life [clearly from these initial scribblings this is going to be a philosophical one] it is often said that sticks and stones may break some bones but words will never hurt you. I concur [clearly]. However, words detonate endorphins on reserve to make life more livable.
Life is like a subway station [like the one I'm on presently] it stops at each stop where passers-by enter your life and they exit, opportunities do so as well, they though [are like the sponge from my headphone that just fell on the floor of the train tossing and turning at each skillful manoeuvre of the train] not frequent are sometimes difficult to secure.
I choose to listen to the wholesome whisperings of friends that have become family. What I will doodle for the next minute [or so, though really I'm trying to have a page a done before I arrive at Donsview station] have been those lyrics either spoken, song, blogged or scribbled by others I consider kin.
[Trying to remember them now!] " Release me, release my body, cause I'm not able to release myself" mouthed musically by Agnes. For some reason it [the song] makes me happy. It is a normal ol' song but it has a killer rhythm that makes my soul dance! it is also an arrow in a target reminder of a new friend I made, Graham, who I've come to appreciate as a good friend who, in a low time; once said "With your personality and charisma, you can do it ! How come? Don't they know how awesome you are! [internally smiling]
Next up " Brendon, you're a visionary, that's why i hired you, there's an energy that you bring to a team and it's infectious!" Well maybe not as contagious as Lady Gaga's Alejandro chart topper [and by the way have you not seen her new video: CAUTION there's copious gender bending with sprinkles of marching band madness!!!] There was a tingling feeling of contentment when my now former Residence Life Coordinator spoke into my life the above mentioned words. Indeed I am a visionary. Next Stop? Marathon runner! ;)
On another note, my BBM status "my disappointment is God's divine appointment" and added to that" there are many plans in a man's heart but it's God's purpose that prevails" [my stop is like one minute away or maybe two! Go to wrap it up! Ready?]
[With an air of unknowing contentment],
I did not get the Greek internship...
B
Friday, June 18, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
L'homme qui s'excuse, s'accuse (The man who excuses himself, accusses himself)
So of late I've been really thinking about this whole world of mentorship. It's all around me and I'm finally realizing it! For instance, I've been under the 'auspices' of my mentor teacher (of whom i will discuss at length soon) and being fortunate enough to be an Emerging Global Leaders Program mentor to 49 super gifted high-schoolers.
It's funny, because I've been on the both ends of this gamble. Recently I've mentally made up my mind that my 'mentor' teacher I worked under all year for my education practicum was such a cocky brat!!! Like really! Essentially, she used me, a fresh, young, talented, creative, modern teacher to compare herself to. She was quick to naively point out my flaws ALL the time. Ironically, my best day at that school was when she was absent! And let me say that she went on an excursion without inviting me!Don't get me wrong eh! I did learn a lot from her, unfortunately though what not to become! My tyranny ends on Friday when I mark the last of the mohican scripts she insisted that i finish despite the fact that my obligation had ended a week prior!
On the happy side of the cookie though, I've had the absolute pleasure of mentoring a great 17 year old, a participant from the EGLP High school edition. I really have an interest in him simply because I simply have a genuine interest in continuing my guidance outside fo the three day confines of the conference dates. He's awesome PS. A bit of an anomly I guess! At first glance on seeing him, you think skater dude, West 49 esque, flamboyant supporter of the Jays as seen by his ritualistic wearing of the cap, and avid music follower known due to his consecrated hours of music listening via iPod or Blackberry. As mouthed by him, he's one of the two white guys in all his graduating class which sadly makes him a minority in his infamous high school. He revealed to me his spark and for some reason I just want to be one of those persons in which he could provide kudos for having helped him through these formative years at his graduation party. :)
But in mentoring my buddy, he really got me thinking about what it really means to be a mentor and the unimaginable power that the mentor wields. Provided that your influence over the mentee is soo strong, one has to really be responsible with the power that can be yielded.
My epiphany is that in being a mentor, one has to constantly examine oneself to not say one thing to the mentee and do completely opposite in private. It's as I've explained to my friend EVE, that a leader should have no problems in revealing to the public his personal life and not being embarrassed or ashamed to do so.
L'homme qui s'excuse, s'accuse !
My learning continues...
It's funny, because I've been on the both ends of this gamble. Recently I've mentally made up my mind that my 'mentor' teacher I worked under all year for my education practicum was such a cocky brat!!! Like really! Essentially, she used me, a fresh, young, talented, creative, modern teacher to compare herself to. She was quick to naively point out my flaws ALL the time. Ironically, my best day at that school was when she was absent! And let me say that she went on an excursion without inviting me!Don't get me wrong eh! I did learn a lot from her, unfortunately though what not to become! My tyranny ends on Friday when I mark the last of the mohican scripts she insisted that i finish despite the fact that my obligation had ended a week prior!
On the happy side of the cookie though, I've had the absolute pleasure of mentoring a great 17 year old, a participant from the EGLP High school edition. I really have an interest in him simply because I simply have a genuine interest in continuing my guidance outside fo the three day confines of the conference dates. He's awesome PS. A bit of an anomly I guess! At first glance on seeing him, you think skater dude, West 49 esque, flamboyant supporter of the Jays as seen by his ritualistic wearing of the cap, and avid music follower known due to his consecrated hours of music listening via iPod or Blackberry. As mouthed by him, he's one of the two white guys in all his graduating class which sadly makes him a minority in his infamous high school. He revealed to me his spark and for some reason I just want to be one of those persons in which he could provide kudos for having helped him through these formative years at his graduation party. :)
But in mentoring my buddy, he really got me thinking about what it really means to be a mentor and the unimaginable power that the mentor wields. Provided that your influence over the mentee is soo strong, one has to really be responsible with the power that can be yielded.
My epiphany is that in being a mentor, one has to constantly examine oneself to not say one thing to the mentee and do completely opposite in private. It's as I've explained to my friend EVE, that a leader should have no problems in revealing to the public his personal life and not being embarrassed or ashamed to do so.
L'homme qui s'excuse, s'accuse !
My learning continues...
Saturday, May 22, 2010
En attendant la reponse!
SO, welcome peeps!
First time doing this! So pardon the awkwardness! :S. It's like 12 past 7 on this lazy Saturday afternoon. It's been just that- lazy! Besides that i really miss my friends. Life as a fourth year international student in the third largest Canadian university can be at times one thing- lonely! No family, hardly any familiar faces, gets to you man! Cha!
This summer, I've dubbed my summer a one of international travel. My heart's aching for adventure! And besides I've a million friends who've gone on international internships around the world! Like seeds, they've been planted in Costa Rica, India, South Africa, Spain, Kenya with the objective of being fertilized by the respective ways of life so that growth can occur, personally, internationally, academically and the whole host of other ly's. Doesn't change my predicament though, I can't wait to hear from them and exchange juicy stories of newness in their recent placements.
I also await news about a prestigious internship that I requested to be a part of! Oh how anxious am I! Ahhhhhhhhhh! :s I recently did not succeed with a once in a lifetime internship to Columbia University in New York simply because i couldn't secure a US visa in time to present myself to be interviewed at the campus. 22 days later, I do have the US visa and this dilemma of whether to return to Base or stay in Tdot and wait for a response.
I await a response with a prayer in my heart a pack of Craisins and plenty of dreams of setting foot upon Grecian soil soon...
First time doing this! So pardon the awkwardness! :S. It's like 12 past 7 on this lazy Saturday afternoon. It's been just that- lazy! Besides that i really miss my friends. Life as a fourth year international student in the third largest Canadian university can be at times one thing- lonely! No family, hardly any familiar faces, gets to you man! Cha!
This summer, I've dubbed my summer a one of international travel. My heart's aching for adventure! And besides I've a million friends who've gone on international internships around the world! Like seeds, they've been planted in Costa Rica, India, South Africa, Spain, Kenya with the objective of being fertilized by the respective ways of life so that growth can occur, personally, internationally, academically and the whole host of other ly's. Doesn't change my predicament though, I can't wait to hear from them and exchange juicy stories of newness in their recent placements.
I also await news about a prestigious internship that I requested to be a part of! Oh how anxious am I! Ahhhhhhhhhh! :s I recently did not succeed with a once in a lifetime internship to Columbia University in New York simply because i couldn't secure a US visa in time to present myself to be interviewed at the campus. 22 days later, I do have the US visa and this dilemma of whether to return to Base or stay in Tdot and wait for a response.
I await a response with a prayer in my heart a pack of Craisins and plenty of dreams of setting foot upon Grecian soil soon...
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